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Canada - Ghana Relations

Diplomatic Relation

In 1906, Quebec missionaries established a church in Navrongo in northern Ghana, thus marking the arrival of a Canadian presence in the country. Bilateral relations between Canada and Ghana are strong and long-standing. Ghana has established strong democratic credentials. Freedom of expression, a dynamic press and an active civil society are part of the Ghanaian political landscape. Relations between Canada and Ghana are based on more than five decades of cooperation on the global scene, in particular in the United Nations and the Commonwealth.

Ghana in Canada

Ghana is also represented by Consulates in Burnaby, Toronto and Montreal.

Common Memberships

Relations between Canada and Ghana are based on more than five decades of cooperation on the global scene, in particular in the United Nations, La Francophonie, of which Ghana is an associate state, and the Commonwealth.

Ghanaian Students in Canada

Canada is the home of some of the world’s top research facilities and academic institutions. Canada was pleased to host 1,380 Ghanaian students in 2015. Over 30 Canadian institutions and more than 1,000 people participated in Canada’s eighth annual Education Fair which took place in Accra in February 2016. The next fair will take place on February 2-4, 2017 in Accra.

In 2015, Ghana was Canada’s 4th largest market for exports in the sub-Saharan African region, after Botswana, South Africa and Nigeria. From 2000 to 2015, two-way merchandise trade increased by more than 260%, to reach $265.3 million. In 2015, Canadian exports totaled more than $215.5 million, while imports from Ghana reached $49.8 million. Main Canadian exports included cereals, vehicles and parts, machinery, and miscellaneous textiles. Main imports from Ghana included cocoa, wood, and vegetables products.

Trade Agreements

Canadian and Ghanaian officials have met several times in recent years to exchange and discuss proposals for a bilateral Air Transport Agreement. In October 2011, both countries concluded a MOU allowing for Canadian carriers to offer code-share services into Ghana.

Development and Humanitarian Assistance

Ghana was the first country in Africa to receive development assistance from Canada in 1957 and remains a development country of focus.

Canada is among the top five bilateral donors to Ghana. In 2015–2016, the Government of Canada contributed $104 million in official development assistance to Ghana.

Canada's bilateral development program focuses on three thematic priorities: increasing food security through access to affordable and nutritious food and increased opportunities for the private sector; securing the future of children and youth and achieving maternal, newborn and child health outcomes through access to water, sanitation and hygiene in underserved areas; and stimulating sustainable economic growth through improving public financial management and reducing barriers to doing business.

Peace and Security

Canada also provides training to the personnel of the Ghanaian Armed Forces through the Department of National Defense’s Military Training and Cooperation Program, which aims to enhance peace support operations interoperability among Canada’s partners, and expand and reinforce bilateral defence relations.